Thane Woman Arrested for Alleged Forcible Conversion to Islam Following Mother’s Brainwashing Claims
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/4th August 2024
In a case that has sparked considerable controversy, police in Thane have arrested a young woman and another individual on charges of forcible conversion and fraud. The arrests followed a complaint from the young woman’s mother, who claimed that her daughter had been brainwashed and coerced into converting to Islam.
The woman from Vitthalwadi in Thane district reported to the police that her daughter was influenced by a neighboring family. According to her, this family showed her daughter videos of a controversial Islamic preacher, which led to her conversion to Islam in June 2022. This conversion allegedly occurred while the mother was abroad in London. Upon returning, the mother discovered that her daughter had gone missing.
Further complicating the situation, the mother received a letter from the Ulhasnagar and Ambarnath Mosque Trust, confirming her daughter’s conversion to Islam. The mother expressed deep concern, alleging that her daughter had been brainwashed and coerced into abandoning Hinduism. She also claimed that her daughter had withdrawn money from her father’s account post-conversion and feared that her daughter might be forced into illegal activities as a result of this influence.
An official statement from the police highlighted the gravity of the allegations. “The woman has said that after the conversion, her daughter withdrew money from her father’s account. She tells us that her daughter has been brainwashed and may be forced to participate in illegal activities,” said the official. This statement underscores the mother’s fear for her daughter’s wellbeing and potential involvement in unlawful acts.
The police acted swiftly on the complaint, arresting the daughter and one other individual involved in the case. “The complainant’s daughter has been arrested along with one more person, while eight are absconding. The duo was produced in court today and were remanded in police custody for three days. Further probe into the case is underway,” reported the Vitthalwadi police.
The case has brought attention to the sensitive issue of religious conversion and the potential for exploitation and coercion. It has also raised questions about the role of influential figures and media in shaping young minds and the responsibilities of communities in safeguarding their members.
The police investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the alleged brainwashing and to determine whether other individuals or groups were involved in the coercion and potential fraud. The fact that eight individuals remain absconding adds a layer of complexity to the case, indicating a possibly broader network of influence and manipulation.
The community response has been mixed, with some supporting the mother’s claims and others calling for a more thorough and unbiased investigation. The incident has highlighted the need for vigilance in cases of religious conversion, ensuring that individuals’ decisions are truly voluntary and free from undue influence or coercion.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the young woman’s conversion and addressing any illegal activities that may have resulted from the alleged brainwashing. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for exploitation in matters of faith and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from such influences.
